November 22, 2015
Christ the King
Is Jesus a king? It is the charge over his head on the post of crucifixion: “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.†Pilate interrogates Jesus: “Are you a king?†Jesus replies indirectly: “My kingdom is does not belong to this world.†It is not typical of earthly kingdoms destined for death and destruction built on force, power, greed and jealousy. Yet it does entail human values of mercy, justice and peace. How does one enter into the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus proclaims? There are three openings or portals given to us in the Gospels selected for this Feast of Christ the King.
In our Gospel today according to St. John, Jesus says to Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.†“Truth†is not an idea that can become a radical ideology that justifies the killing of innocent people. For Jesus, truth is a way of life embodied in him that claims us – all who listen to him can enter the Kingdom.
The 2nd opening or portal into the Kingdom is found in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. When the Son of Man comes in the fullness of time, all the nations of the world will assemble before the Great King. People will be judged on whether or not they ministered to the humble king disguised in his subjects. “When I was hungry, you fed me; when I was thirsty you gave me drink; when I was a stranger you welcomed me; when I was naked you clothed me; when I was sick you cared for me; when I was in prison you visited me.†They/we will say when did we do these acts to you? The King will respond when you did it for the least of my brothers and sisters you did it unto to me. Entry into the Kingdom is dependent on our compassionate service to persons most in need.
The 3rd portal is found in the Gospel according to St. Luke. Jesus is dying on the cross between two crucified criminals. One reviles Jesus. The other rebukes his co-criminal with the honest confession that they deserve the punishment but Jesus is innocent. He simply says: “Jesus -- remember me when you come into your kingdom.†Entry into the Kingdom is determined by asking Jesus to be with him! The assurance Jesus gives to the redeemed criminal, is a promise to all who listen to his voice, who serve him and who ask to be with him. “Today you will be with me in Paradise.â€
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